DemDaily: Hollywood Turns Out The Vote
October 17, 2018
Celebrities are no stranger to the political game and they are in full force in the final weeks leading to the midterms.
Actors Danny Kaye & Olivia de Havilland were among the HDC's organizers in 1943
The entertainment industry came out in unprecedented public numbers for Hillary Clinton in 2016, but activist actors have been organizing since the 1940s.
The first formal efforts began with the Hollywood Democratic Committee's (HDC) activities to help reelect President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1944.
Today, organizations like the Creative Coalition carry on the entertainment industry's advocacy banner on First Amendment rights, arts advocacy and education.
Creative Coalition President & Actor Tim Daly (Madame Secretary) talks to DemList at event
While actors like Alec Baldwin, George Clooney, Samuel Jackson, Angelina Jolie and media mogul Oprah Winfrey have long used their celebrity status to wage public battles against conservative politicians and policies around human rights, free speech, gun control and other issues, a new generation of stars are speaking out in rebellion to the Trump presidency.
Amplified by the #MeTooMovement, and a proven sexual harrasser in the White House, the call to action has motivated many to step into the political spotlight.
Taylor Swift's Instagram appeal motivated thousands (pic: CNBC)
Swift's Instagram post to her 112 million followers also appealed to young voters, traditionally among the lowest voting demographic, to register.
According to Vote.org, the mega-star's message was responsible for the immediate registration of 65,000 people between the ages of 18 and 29. Within 48 hours the number had reached over 102,000.
Other celebs, like entertainer John Legend who turned out for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams in Georgia, have been campaigning in person.
"Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, actor Tom Hanks, singers Faith Hill and Janelle Monae, NBA star Chris Paul, and additional famous faces joined former first lady Michelle Obama on the road in a September get-out-the-vote tour.
The Cast of "Criminal Minds" on Rocking The Vote
Showbiz types are also putting their money into the game. "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane donated $2 million to the Senate Majority PAC, actress Eva Longoria gave $10,000 to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and Barbra Streisand is sending email appeals for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
An estimated $30+ million has been contributed to federal candidates from the entertainment industry.
There is no question that the industry and its players have had an impact on generating support, an interest and engagement in the midterms. Whether Hollywood's impact on the elections translates to voting at the polls has yet to be determined. In the interim, enjoy the show!
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Kimberly Scott
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Sources: Washington Post, CNBC, Variety, The Hill, Politico
